Mexico City is preparing to host the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday when the hosts take on South Africa at the iconic Estadio Azteca. The venue will become the first stadium in history to host three World Cup opening matches.

The World Cup 2026 opener pits host Mexico against South Africa at the Azteca on June 11, a rematch of their 2010 meeting and the first of 104 games.

The World Cup will be officially kick-started with the traditional opening ceremony before Mexico take on South Africa at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City